This undated image released by The National Trust for Historic Preservation shows the Carrollton Courthouse in New Orleans. The courthouse was identified by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America

Carrollton Courthouse named one of nation’s most endangered historic sites

Courthouse among ‘11 Most Endangered Historic Places’

This undated image released by The National Trust for Historic Preservation shows the Carrollton Courthouse in New Orleans. The courthouse was identified by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America

The Carrollton Courthouse, named recently to the Louisiana Landmarks Society’s list of the nine most endangered local historic landmarks, has now made the big time: the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2015 list of “America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.”

The trust announced the list this week.

“Louisiana Landmarks Society thanks the National Trust for accepting our nomination of this important site,” said Walter Gallas, executive director of the local society.

The Carrollton Courthouse, designed by noted architect Henry Howard, was built as the seat of government for Jefferson Parish in 1855. Once the city of Carrollton was annexed by New Orleans, the building served in a variety of uses over the decades but most often as a public school.

Vacant since 2013 and now due to be auctioned by the Orleans Parish School Board, the courthouse faces an uncertain future.

The Louisiana Landmarks Society was founded in 1950 and within a few years helped to save the courthouse from demolition and ensured its continued operation as a school. It invites residents to share their ideas about future possibilities for the building at a neighborhood forum at 6 p.m. July 29 at First Unitarian Universalist Church, 5212 S. Claiborne Ave.

Other sites on the National Trust’s list include:

A.G. Gaston Motel in Birmingham, Alabama. Now vacant, it served as a “war room” for civil rights leaders.

Chautauqua Amphitheater in Chautauqua, New York. A plan to demolish and rebuild the aged amphitheater is controversial among preservationists.

East Point Historic Civic Block in East Point, Georgia . This downtown block is neglected.

Fort Worth Stockyards in Fort Worth, Texas. A multimillion-dollar development is planned at the site.

The Grand Canyon. The trust said it is threatened by “proposals ranging from tourist resorts to mining.”

Little Havana neighborhood in Miami. It is potentially threatened by zoning changes and lack of protection for historic buildings.

Oak Flat in Superior, Arizona. A sacred tribal site, it is potentially threatened by mining.

Old U.S. Mint in San Francisco. The trust described it as neglected.

South Street Seaport in New York. The neighborhood would be significantly altered by development proposals.

The Factory in West Hollywood, California. A hotel and retail project is proposed for the site of the former gay nightclub.

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